Paul Finebaum Names Big Ten Program Not In 'Great Shape'

Big Ten media days, which provided media members with access to the conference's coaches and players, concluded last week. One of the major storylines from the event was the concerning appearance of the new UCLA Bruins head coach, DeShaun Foster.

When introducing his school, Foster appeared uncomfortable. At one point, he even mentioned that UCLA was located in Los Angeles as if people didn't already know. It was an awkward moment that sparked many jokes at his expense.

On the field, Foster will be replacing Chip Kelly as head coach after Kelly shockingly left the Bruins to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. ESPN's Paul Finebaum said he doesn't feel UCLA is in great shape as it enters the Big Ten.

"As far as UCLA, again, they made a coaching change (and) they lost their coordinator," Finebaum said. "I don't think they're in great shape."

ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) is a measure of team strength meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance for the rest of the season. FPI agrees with Finebaum's assessment, ranking the Bruins as the No. 9 team in the Big Ten. It predicts the Bruins will have a 5-7 record for the year, which means they would not be bowl-eligible. That would also mark the first losing season since the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

The Bruins didn't receive any help from their schedule. According to 247Sports , the Bruins have the sixth toughest schedule in the conference. They will face two Big Ten preseason top-five teams: the Oregon Ducks and Penn State Nittany Lions. UCLA will also travel to LSU for a tough nonconference game.

There is no doubt Foster will face significant challenges in Year 1.

Related: College Football Fans Stunned By Latest Big Ten Offseason Power Rankings